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Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour

Based on 1635 reviews in trip-advisor

Trip Facts

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Trip Duration 5-7 hours
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Trip Start & End Point Your Hotel
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Trip Difficulty
Easy
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Destination Nepal
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Activity Sightseeing
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Best Season All seasons
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Region Kathmandu Valley
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Nature of Trip Sightseeing Tour
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Transportation Vehicle Transfers (Included)

Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour Highlights

  • Explore the impressive Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers stunning views of the city.
  • Visit the ornate and historic Patan Durbar Square, a complex of temples, palaces, and museums that showcases Newar architecture and culture.
  • Marvel at the impressive Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds significant cultural and religious value for the Tibetan community.
  • Experience the spiritual significance of Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts pilgrims from all over South Asia.

Trip Overview

With the Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour, demystify the enigmas of Nepal’s capital. Let your inner Sherlock Holmes investigate the culture, history, religion, and civilization of Kathmandu Valley, visiting major tourist attractions. Embark on an Easter egg hunt inside Kathmandu Valley to familiarize yourself with the amazing architecture, artistry, sculptures, beliefs, and faith of the people inhabiting this beautiful valley.

Kathmandu sightseeing Day Tour, adored and praised by tourists from all over the world, will take you on a voyage that allows you to witness Kathmandu’s affluence of cultural, traditional, historical, and religious beauty. UNESCO has acknowledged the city’s exuberance of cultural, historical, and religious beauty by recognizing 7 such places as World Heritage sites. Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour will take you to the exploration of 4 such UNESCO world heritage sites, inundated with cultural, religious, and historical beauty and significance.

Syambhunath, situated on top of a hillock just west of the heart of the capital is a magnificent stupa. Along with a beautiful view of Kathmandu, you can witness how two religions; Hinduism and Buddhism have culminated and co-existed with peace and harmony for centuries. Patan Durbar Square is another UNESCO World Heritage site, that encapsulates marvelous temples, magnificent palaces, ancient pillars, shrines, big bells, courtyards, and many more. Pashupatinath temple is yet another UNESCO World Heritage site, which displays the vibrant aspects of Hindu religion, faith, and culture.

Considered an abode of Lord Shiva, destroyer of all things that can harm this universe, is an important pilgrimage site to which millions of Hindus from all over the world make pilgrimage tours every year. Finally, Boudhanath Stupa, the denouement of the Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour, is the biggest stupa in Nepal. Surrounded by monasteries, gompas, and Buddhist shrines, Boudhanath stupa is one of the most sacred and important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. Many Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet, China, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, Thailand, etc. arrive in Nepal just to visit this magnificent stupa.

Outlined Itinerary Program For Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour

Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour spans 5-6 hours and takes you to 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are religious and historical complexes that unveil the arcane and fascinating religious and cultural aspects of Kathmandu Valley. From the evolution of its civilization, and religions to its rulers. Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour is an amazing city day tour for anyone with a spare day in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour Outline Itinerary

  • Hotel Pickup
  • Drive to Swayambhunath Maha Chaitya. Explore the Stupa and Premises
  • Drive to Patan Durbar Square. Explore the Durbar Square, Premises, and Museum
  • Drive to Pashupatinath Temple. Explore the temple and Premises
  • Drive to Boudha Nath Stupa. Explore the Stupa and Lunch Break.
  • Drive back to the Hotel of your stay.

The order in which UNESCO sites are visited may vary depending on the road traffic conditions, client’s preference, and other factors beyond our grasp. The starts on the time designated by the visitor. The pace of the tour is completely dependent on the tour.

Kathmandu Sightseeing Places for Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour

This Kathmandu City Tour takes travelers to the heritage sites mentioned below, nestled in the bustling city of Kathmandu. It is one of the most preferred local sightings in Kathmandu.

Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath also called Phakpa Shingkun by Buddhists, is a religious complex revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. For Buddhists, it is the most important pilgrimage site in the world. According to the 7th Dalai Lama, the Swayambunath stupa is the source of all the happiness in this world.

According to Swayambhu Purana, the Kathmandu Valley was once a vast lake that drew numerous revered saints and sages. Among these was the era’s first Buddha, Vipashyin who visited the lake. Legend has it that he sowed a seed in the waters, from which sprouted a magnificent lotus. At the heart of this lotus emerged a stupa, formed of light, that existed by its virtue. Drawn by the stupa’s radiant light, Manjushri a prominent Buddhist master journeyed from China to Kathmandu valley.

Captivated by what he saw, he cut through the lake, enabling devotees to access and venerate the spontaneously arisen stupa. Several generations forward, in Buddha Kashyapa’s era, the Indian monarch Prachandadeva departed his eastern realm of Gauda to visit Swayambhunath. There, he became a monk, encased the original stupa in stone, and constructed an additional layer above it using bricks. This act gave rise to the current stupa, revered by all contemporary spiritual leaders.

Apart from the stupa, while in Swayambhunath you can see several fascinating religious monuments. Vajradhatu Mandala, Harati Temple, small stupas, Vasubandhu stupa, Ajima Temple, Manjushree Hill, etc. are major attractions of Swayambhunath. Our experienced guides will tell you to answer your every question regarding the Swayambunath stupa and surrounding monuments.

Conclusively, Swayambhunath just like for Buddhists is a must-visit place for anyone venturing to disclose and understand the history and culture of the Kathmandu Valley.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square, one of the 3 Durbar squares of Kathmandu enlisted in UNESCO’s World Heritage site, is a marvel of Newar architecture. Patan Durbar Square is a palace and premises area where Malla Kings resided.

Thought to be the most prosperous among the 3 kingdoms that existed inside Kathmandu valley, the credit for its establishment is given to Malla Kings, though Pradhanas who existed before Mallas also have connections to the construction of Patan Durbar square. Among many Malla Kings, Siddhi Narsingh Malla and his son are considered a major contributor to the establishment of monuments and structures that can be seen in the present day.

Krishna Mandir, which was made in Shikhara style with stone carvings depicting Mahabharat and Ramayana in its beams and pillars is a major attraction of Patan Durbar Square. Similarly, Bhimsen Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Taleju Bhawani, Big Bell, palace buildings, and its courtyard are prominent sightings of Patan Durbar Square, which our experienced guides will explain in detail.

Visiting Patan Durbar Square will provide any tourist an insight into the history, culture, civilization, and its deep connection to art and craft.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath is a Hindu temple dedicated to Pashupati, a form of Lord Shiva, situated in Kathmandu near the banks of the Bagmati River. Pashupatinath temple and premises is a UNESCO world heritage site, built in pagoda style, with numerous temples and monuments having significant religious significance.

It is believed that Pashupati a deer form of Lord Shiva started living in Nepal after being enchanted by the beauty of Kathmandu Valley. Later, while fighting with other gods stating his unwillingness to leave Kathmandu and return to his home, he lost one of his antlers. The place where he lost his antler is now where Pashupatinath Temple was built.

The Pashupatinath Temple and premises have some fascinating monuments and temples. Pashupatinath Temple, Bachhareshwari Temple, Guhyeshwori Temple, Gorakhnath Temple, shivalingas, yogi caves, crematories, etc. can be spotted in while in Pashupatinath temple premises. These places showcase the Hindu rituals, culture, faith, and belief. Visiting Pashupatinath temple during Maha Shivaratri can present to the tourist a spectacle of human belief and faith that could be only witnessed on rare occasions.

All in all, Pashupatinath Temple and its premises are a must-visit religious and cultural site situated in Kathmandu.

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa also known as Khasa Chaita, is situated 11 km away from the center of capital at Northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu. It is the largest stupa in Nepal. Tibetan merchants have rested and offered prayers at the Boudhanath stupa for many centuries.

According to Newar mythology, it is believed that one Licchavi king sacrificed himself while building a fountain that was supposed to end decade long drought as instructed by his astrologer. During the sacrifice, performed at the king’s order by his son, the king’s head flew off and landed near Sankhu Bajrayogini Temple. At that spot, the price established Boudhanath stupa. There is also Tibetan mythology regarding the establishment of the Boudhanath stupa.

The magnificent Boudhanath stupa is ornated with prayer flags, prayer wheels, and sculptures of Buddha and other gods. One can find temples and Gompas in and around the Boudhnath stupa premise. Just being in the Boudhnath stupa premise will make you experience the mysticism and peacefulness of this beautiful place.

Conclusively, a visit to the Boudhanath stupa will display the religious and cultural vibrancy of Nepal. A testament to how peacefully people with contrasting beliefs have co-existed for centuries.

The Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour is a comprehensive tour that enables tourists to learn about the city’s past kings, citizens, arts, culture, religion, and rich history. The Tour will take around 5-7 hours. Our experienced guides will accompany you the whole time and give you intricate information about the sites and places you will be visiting.

Short Itinerary of Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour

Day 1: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour, 4 UNESCO Sites


Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour Itinerary

1

Hotel Pickup

Our team member will contact you and arrive at the hotel to pick you up for the sightseeing day tour. On a private vehicle, you will be driven to the Swayambhunath Maha Chaitya, UNESCO’s world heritage site.

Drive to Swayambhunath Maha Chaitya. Explore the Stupa and Premises.

A 15-25 minute drive (depending on the location of the hotel you are staying) will get you to Swayambhunath Stupa.

At Swayambunath Stupa our guide will give you a detailed guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will get to observe the fascinating religious monuments and hear interesting mythology related to the Swayambunath.

After finishing the exploration of Swayamunath Stupa you will be driven to the next visiting site, Patan Durbar Square.

Drive to Patan Durbar Square. Explore the Durbar Square, Premises, and Museum

30-40 minute drive from Swayambunath Stupa will get you from Swayambunath Stupa to Patan Durbar Square.

Patan Durbar Square is one of the 3 major Palace complexes inside Kathmandu. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our guide will give you a detailed tour of the site as well. You will visit temples, courtyards, a palace, and a museum in Patan.

Drive to Pashupatinath Temple. Explore the temple and Premises

After visiting Patan Durbar Square you will be driven to Pashupatinath Temple, again a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The drive will be 20-30 minutes depending on the traffic.

Pashupatinath Temple is a sacred and one of the most important Hindu temples, situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. A guided tour will enlighten you about the history, significance, and beauty of Pashupatinath Temple. You will see the crematorium and cremation procession going on the banks of the Bagmati River.

After concluding the visit you will be heading toward the final UNESCO site, Boudhanath Stupa.

Drive to Boudha Nath Stupa. Explore the Stupa and Lunch Break.

Boudhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal. 10-15 minutes drive from Pashupati will bring you to Boudhanath Stupa.

The Boudhanath Stupa is considered the most important stupa for people practicing Vajrayana Buddhism.  Despite being situated amidst the cacophonous city area, the ambiance of Boudhanath Stupa is relaxing and calming. The fragrance of burning incense, chimes of rings, colorful fluttering prayer flags, and sounds of rotating prayer wheels contribute to the peaceful ambiance of Boudhanath Stupa.

A guided tour of Boudhanath Stupa will enlighten you about the insights into Buddhism and the mesmerizing monument of Boudhanath Stupa.

After completing the guided tour, upon the request of the client, there will be a lunch break. You can enjoy your meal with a beautiful view of the stupa.

Drive back to the Hotel of your stay.

After the lunch break, you will be dropped off at the hotel of your stay.

Trip Note:

The itinerary mentioned above is standard. The Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour proceeds sticking to the itinerary mentioned above, however, circumstances and reasons beyond our control can make us alter the procession of the tour. But even if the procession is altered we make sure that our clients visit all four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

If in case one of the 4 above-mentioned UNESCO World Heritage sites is closed we will have to swap the closed UNESCO Heritage Site with another one. Be assured that you will visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites after booking the day tour with us.

The tour spans 5-6 hours, but the duration of the tour also depends upon the visitors as well. Some visitors observe monuments and sites with scrutiny, whereas others just skim over them clicking pictures. Doing the latter can reduce the duration of the tour.

Cost Details

What is included?

  • Hotel pick-up and drop off.
  • Guided Kathmandu city tour at 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • All transfers & city tours by a private vehicle.
  • Professional government licensed tour guide.
  • All government and local taxes, VAT.

What is excluded?

  • Monuments entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu.
  • Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold beverages/drinks etc.
  • Tips & Gratuities
Have a question?
Note:

We also operated private trips.

Essential information

Before You Go to Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour

There are some things we would like you to tick off before you go for the Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour. Doing and checking the things mentioned below will accentuate your travel experience and obviate the chances of you being in an undesired situation.

  1. Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and Tissues: We suggest travelers use sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and carry tissues. While visiting the designated sites you might get sunburned so sunscreen and sunglasses are highly recommended. Carrying a tissue is also highly recommended.
  2. Clothing: The city tour will take you to religious complexes, from monasteries to stupas and temples. So, we request our clients to dress modestly respecting the culture and beliefs of natives. A sun hat along with a mask is also recommended.
  3. Camera: The Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour will take you to 4 UNESCO sites. While visiting these sites travelers will come across fascinating architecture and sightings, which they would love to recall and relive. A camera, be it a smartphone, will be an indispensable gear for capturing the memories of the amazing time you had visiting the site.
  4. Water: Breakfree Adventures will provide the water during the trip. We suggest travelers hydrate themselves as the tour extends to 5-7 hours.
  5. Cash: We highly suggest travelers have sufficient Nepalese Rupee cash with them. As the entry fee to UNESCO heritage sites is excluded from this Kathmandu city tour,  it is a good idea to have enough NPR cash with you. You can exchange foreign currency at the hotel you are staying, nearest banks, or at money exchanges near your hotel.
  6. Weather: We recommend that tourers check the weather forecast for the day. It will help determine what to wear and bring for the tour.

Is Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour for me?

There is more to a city than what it might appear at first glance. The arcane stories, myths, culture, and history define the intricate and beautiful layer of the city which is often cloaked by the superficial appearance of the city. These hidden aspects of the city are tightly related to the people that inhabit the place. And to unravel these covert stories, myths, cultures, and history you need the assistance of someone erudite on these subject matter. That is where the Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour comes.

Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour is one of the best Kathmandu one-day tours that introduces you to the myth of the Swayambunath and the formation of Kathmandu Valley, the history and evolution of the Vajrayana Buddhism and Tibetan people in Nepal, the fascinating story of Pashupatinath Temple, interesting anecdotes of its ruler, and fascinating Newari civilization. This Kathmandu day tour package is an enlightening city tour.

Our guides with great knowledge of fascinating aspects of cities and their religious, cultural, and historical importance will be ecstatic to share with you their knowledge. Upon completion of this city tour, you will have learned a lot of things about Kathmandu. Its history, people, culture, rulers, and everlasting beauty.

In addition, this Kathmandu City tour can be completed within just 5-7 hours. That means, no need to allocate a whole day for the tour. You will be chauffeured from one location to another in a comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle. So your travel between visit sites will be comfortable and save more time. After completing the tour you will have plenty of time and energy to go shopping in local markets or pack up for your next destination.

Now determining if this Kathmandu Day tour is suitable for you or not is all on you. The city tour is suitable if your needs align with the offerings of the tour. However, if you are looking for something that is even more comprehensive and longer lasting then, the Kathmandu 7 Sites Sightseeing Day Tour or Kathmandu Multi-Day Tour could be a good alternative.

Breaking Boundaries, Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour with Breakfree Adventures

Breakfree Adventures, with almost 20 years of experience, is a pioneer when it comes to Sightseeing Day Tour in Nepal. We have served travelers from all around the world to explore the beautiful city of Kathmandu, & familiarize them with the side of the city undiscoverable to normal tourists. With the knowledge and resources we possess, we have satisfied thousands of travelers with our service.

After booking this Kathmandu city tour, Breakfree Adventures takes responsibility for satisfying your travel desires by providing you with an optimum travel experience. Any encumbrances you might have faced during the tour that could have arisen from our side we will take strict actions to deal with and rectify it.

We operate Group and Private Sightseeing day tours in Nepal. In addition to that, we also operate trekking expeditions, climbing expeditions, and multi-day tours at exotic locations in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, India, and Sri Lanka.

Our reviews on Trip Advisor left by 1000+ satisfied customers are a testament to our expertise, experience, and diligence. Please do not hesitate to contact us to inquire about the day tour.

Meals and Local Cuisines during Kathmandu Sightseeing City Tours

This Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour excludes meals, so tourers are responsible for paying for their own meals. However, we do have some suggestions and guides that can help you navigate the culinary puzzle of Kathmandu.

Local Cuisines are not just dishes to eat, they are historical and cultural anecdotes and have their own stories of how they came to be. These local cuisines are connected to the culture, traditions, and history of natives. Trying out local cuisines found nearby visiting sites is a different kind of exploration.

However, most of the time when you are hungry you need your comfort food more than anything. We have curated lists of restaurants some serving local some serving your comfort food.

Usually, the tour concludes at Boudha after which tourers have their lunch, but sometimes the tour might conclude at Patan Durbar Square. There are lots of restaurants and eateries near Boudhanath Stupa and Patan Durbar Square, serving local as well as foreign dishes. Here below are some restaurants that serve the best food to travelers. Please talk with your guides and mention where you want to eat, so she/he can facilitate you to get to the restaurant of your choice.

Places to Eat at or Nearby Boudhanath Stupa

Serving Local Cuisines

Serving International Cuisines

Places to Eat at or Nearby Patan Durbar Square

Serving Local Cuisines

Serving Internal Menus and Cuisines

Scammers, Pick Pocket and Swindlers

These sites are often filled with officious scammers and swindlers. They might approach and nag you to make you purchase their service and/or product from them. This can be very irritating and can spoil the whole tour.

Our guides are always with you, in case of such situations our guides will get rid of scammers and swindlers. That is why it is important to have a guide with you.

Also, keep your belongings with yourself in a secure manner. Keep cash, mobile phones, and other valuables in a zipped bag if not in use.

Tour guide
We have a team of highly experienced and professionally trained tour guides who are thoroughly versed in the culture and history of each place of the places you will be visiting.

Tour Availability
We operate the Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour privately with your guide so that you don’t have to confront other people who might have different interests or attitudes. To keep our tours private and comfortable we limit our groups to 10 people per guide. Please contact us if you have a bigger group and we will arrange several guides for you depending on group size.

Vehicle
We use a comfortable car/mini-van for the sightseeing tours. For up to 2 people, a car is provided and a mini-van is for the group of 3-10 people.

Tour duration
The tour duration is about 5-7 hours. It can be shortened upon your request. The starting time of the tour is up to you and may vary from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm.

Clothing
Clothing varies with the type of tour and season. It’s warm in Kathmandu from April to late October and from November to March-end, days are usually warm but the evenings are colder. Summer clothes are okay during the daytime but the evening requires a light jacket. Winter is from December to February so bring along sufficient winter wear like jackets, sweaters, trousers, etc. Or you can purchase clothes of your choice in Kathmandu clothing stores too.

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(Price varies by group size)
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    US$ 85
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  • 3 - 5 person
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